United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Consumer Food Grading Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, after consultation with representatives of consumers, producers, and processors, to develop and promulgate a system of retail qualify grade designations for consumer food products expressed in a uniform nomenclature. Authorizes the Secretary to determine the manner in which the system of consumer food grade designations shall be displayed and disseminated to the public. Provides that in developing and updating quality grade standards, consideration shall be given to the nutritional quality and wholesomeness of food products, as well as the acceptability of the products. Requires that any food products sold more than nine months after the promulgation of applicable quality standards in accordance with this Act shall either be conspicuously labeled in accordance with such standards or shall be conspicuously labeled "not quality graded by the United States Department of Agriculture".
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Provides that advance notice of any action of an executive agency necessitating appreciable reduction in Federal civilian employment in that agency without reasonable opportunity for other Government employment in the same commuting area or necessitating appreciable transfers or relocations of employees outside the commuting area in order to provide such employees with further civilian employment, or both, shall be transmitted by the head of such agency to the Senate and House Committees on Post Office and Civil Service and to employee organizations having Civil Service and to employee organizations having exclusive recognition at least 120 days before such action takes effect. Requires that agency head to provide such additional information as the committees may request. (Adds 5 U.S.C. 2955)
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Nutritional Labeling Act - Requires any packaged consumer food product to be labeled by the processor in conformity with the following information: (1) with respect to processed food products, an analysis of nutritional contents including fat content, vitamin and protein value, fats and fatty acids, calories, and any other nutritional information deemed appropriate; (2) in the case of any canned or frozen product whose packing medium constitutes a substantial proportion of its total weight, the net weight, and drained weight of the product; and (3) in the case of any combination food item, the major ingredients by percentage weight after processing determined pursuant to the regulations of the appropriate agency. Requires such label to contain a statement of the nutritional value of the food commodity, and to appear in conspicuous and easily legible type on the package. Provides that the label of any packaged consumer product which has been packaged in a container of any given net content (by weight or volume) and which afterwards is packaged in a container of a different net content, shall conspicuously set forth the amount of difference. States that the appropriate Federal agencies shall prescribe regulations to carry out the purposes of this Act, containing such classifications, provisions, and exceptions as are necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Act and to prevent evasion thereof. Provides for injunctions in Federal courts to assure compliance with this Act. Prescribes a civil penalty of not to exceed $1,000 for any willful violation of this Act; such sum to be assessed by the appropriate agency and enforced in a Federal court in the name of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Soviet Jews Relief Act - Authorizes to be issued 30,000 special immigrant visas to residents of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics who are listed on their Soviet internal passport as citizenship Soviet, nationality Jewish, and who are seeking admission to the United States to avoid religious prosecution. States that the spouse and children of any such alien, if accompanying or following to join him, may be issued special immigrant visas notwithstanding such numerical limitation. Provides that visas authorized under this Act may be issued by consular officers in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and without the fees specified in that Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to contract with any qualified public, private, or nonprofit agency, institution, organization, or any qualified individual for the purpose of discovering, developing, testing, evaluating, or manufacturing a drug, chemical compound, or other substance, or instrument, or device which can be used safely and effectively to treat, prevent, or cure heroin addiction, or aid in the treatment or prevention of, or cure for, heroin addiction. Authorizes to be appropriated not to exceed $50,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Establishes, under the Secretary of Agriculture, a five-year research program to effectuate the control of the gypsy moth. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to institute and carry out such program during the next 5 fiscal years ending June 30, 1978.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Provides that the income derived from the operation of foreign ships and aircraft shall not be exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code if a substantial part of the ownership and/or control of such ship, or ships, is vested in a citizen of the United States, or any partner, affiliate, or subsidiary of such citizen, and if such ship, or ships, regularly serves a port or ports of the United States, and if a substantial portion of the gross income of such ship, or ships, is derived from commerce of the United States. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 883)
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Allows a credit against taxes imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 based upon the amount of property taxes or rent constituting property taxes accrued for a taxable year by claimants filing a claim under this Act who are domiciled in the United States and 65 years of age or over during the entire taxable year preceding the year in which such claim is filed. Defines the terms used in this Act. Requires claimants under this Act to supply reasonable proof of age, rent paid, property taxes accrued, changes of homestead, household membership, household income, size, and nature of property claimed as the homestead. Permits any person aggrieved by the denial of relief claimed under this Act to appeal such denial to the U.S. Tax Court. (Adds 26 U.S.C. 1601-1605)
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Creates an Office of Water Disposal Research and Development in the Department of the Interior which shall conduct research into the practical uses of sewage sludge, chemical wastes, dredging spoils and other similar substances. States that such uses shall be developed by January 1, 1978. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit a final report to Congress by such date. (Adds 33 U.S.C. 1155(o))
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Includes qualified drugs among the benefits covered under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (Medicare). Establishes a Formulary Committee within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) determine which drugs and biologicals shall constitute qualified drugs for purposes of the benefits extended under this Act; (2) determine the allowable benefit of the various quantities, strengths, or dosage forms of qualified drugs or biologicals; and (3) publish annually a list of such qualified drugs, together with the allowable benefit for various quantities and strengths. Provides for an advisory group to the Formulary Committee to furnish professional, technical, and scientific advice.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Makes it unlawful for any executive branch officer or any person acting under such officer's authority to require employees or applicants for Government employment to: (1) disclose their race, religion, or national origin; (2) attend Government-sponsored meetings and lectures or participate in outside activites unrelated to their employment; (3) report on their outside activites or undertakings unrelated to their work; (4) submit to questioning about their religion, personal relationships of sexual attitudes through interviews, psychological tests, or polygraphs; and (5) support political candidates or attend political meetings. Permits inquiries into national origin when necessary for the national interest or overseas work. Allows agency officers to advise employees of charges of sexual misconduct as long as the employee has an opportunity to refute the charge. Makes it illegal to coerce an employee to buy bonds or make charitable contributions; or to require him to disclose his own personal assets, liabilities, or expenditures, or those of any member of his family unless they would show a conflict of interest. Provides a right to have counsel or another person present, if the employee wishes, at an interview which may lead to disciplinary proceedings. Accords the right to a civil action in a Federal court for violation or threatened violation of this Act. Directs the Attorney General to defend all persons sued who acted pursuant to an order or who, in his opinion, did not wilfully violate this Act. Establishes a three-member Board on Employees' Rights with members appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Grants the Board the Authority and duty to receive and investigate written complaints from any person claiming to be aggrieved by any violation or threatened violation of this Act and to conduct a hearing on each such complaint. Directs the Board to make an annual report of its activities to Congress. Excludes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency from the provisions of this Act. Permits the establishment of agency grievance procedures to enforce this Act, but the existence of such procedures shall not preclude the use of other remedies.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Conversion Research and Education Act - Title I: Research and Development Conversion Coordination Policy - Provides that it shall be the function of the National Science Foundation to: (1) analyze data regarding Federal expenditures for research and development activities, and the employment and availability of scientific, engineering, and technical manpower, which the Foundation has assembled; (2) develop and recommend to the President programs and activities which will contribute to carrying out various policies; and (3) prepare and submit to the President for transmittal to the Congress not later than March 1, 1977, a report on its activities under this title and an appraisal of the extent to which various policies are being successfully implemented, together with such recommendations for additional legislation as it deems appropriate. Title II: National Science Foundation Conversion Program - Authorizes the Foundation to make grants to, or to enter into contracts with, academic institutions, not-for-profit institutes and organizations, public agencies, and private business firms, for the conduct of basic and applied research designed to: (1) study and appraise the social, economic, and managerial aspects of conversion from defense related research and development activities to civilian research and development activities; (2) identify priority areas of civilian research and development activity likely to contribute to the resolution of the Nation's pressing domestic problems including, but not limited to, unemployment, poverty, race relations, social alienation, crime, environmental pollution, urban problems, energy sources and natural resources, nutrition, housing, transportation, education, and health-care; and (3) advance the scientific and technical state-of-the-art in priority areas. Authorizes the Foundation to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, local government or non-profit corporations for the development of Community Conversion Corporations. Title III: Economic Development Administration Conversion Program - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce, in accordance with the provisions of this title, to make grants to, and to enter into contracts with, academic institutions, not-for-profit institutes and organizations, and business firms for the purpose of developing, initiating, improving, or operating training programs for management personnel of business firms, and to assist them in converting the research and development activities of such firms from defense related areas to civilian areas of work. Title IV: Small Business Conversion Program - Authorizes the Small Business Administration to make grants to small business concerns which have engaged in defense related research and development activities within the three-year period immediately prior to the date of enactment of this Act, and to pay up to 80 percent of the cost of enrolling eligible personnel of such concerns in any program assisted under title II or title III of this Act. Provides that grants shall be made only upon applications made at such times and containing such information as the Administration shall require. Asserts that the Administration is authorized to prepare recommended programs from among programs carried out under title II and III of this Act which the Administration determines are especially applicable to assisting small businesses in converting to civilian research and development activities. Authorizes the Administration to guarantee any loan for a conversion project made by an eligible lender against loss as a result of the failure of any person to meet the terms of such loan. Establishes a revolving fund to carry out the loan guarantee provisions of this Act. Title V: General Provisions - Defines various terms such as Foundation and Director. Defines "defense related research and development activities" to mean any activity which involves: (1) research, development, or engineering, including necessary supporting services, performed under grant from, or contract with, the Department of Defense, the Atomic Energy Commission, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or under subcontract to such a grant or contract; or (2) the construction, reconstruction, repair, or installation of any building, plant structure, facility, or equipment connected or necessary to such research, development, engineering, or supporting services; and (3) which requires at least six months to complete. Establishes an Advisory Commission on Research and Development Conversion Education to be composed of fifteen members appointed by the President for terms of three years. Provides that the Commission shall: (1) advise the Director and the Secretary of Commerce with respect to their respective responsibilities for educational programs under this Act; (2) review and evaluate the effectiveness of Federal educational assistance programs under this Act; and (3) prepare and submit such interim reports as it deems advisable, and an annual report ot its findings and recommendations, together with any recommendations for changes in the provisions of this Act. Authorizes appropriations to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years 1975-1977.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Prohibited Knife Act - Declares that switchblade knives have no redeeming social value and are restricted almost solely to violence. Provides that whoever knowingly introduces such a knife into interstate commerce shall be fined not more than $2,000 and/or imprisoned not more than five years. Asserts that all knives which open automatically and which have a blade of more than three inches in length are nonmailable unless the knives are to be used by the members of the Armed Forces in the performance of their duties. Allows the Postmaster General to require any person proposing to mail such knife to explain in writing that the mailing of such knife shall not violate the provisions of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 2331-2353)
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
New York Metropolitan Area Drug Addiction Act - Provides for the establishment of a Metropolitan Drug Addiction Commission to coordinate and make more effective in the New York metropolitan area the various Federal, State, and local programs for the control, treatment, and prevention of drug addiction. Provides that the Commission shall be composed of: (1) one Federal member appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; (2) the Governors of the States of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut or their representatives; (3) the mayor of the city of New York or his representative; and (4) one member from each participating county in the metropolitan area. Assets that the Commission shall exercise overall comprehensive jurisdiction over drug addiction control activities in the metropolitan area, and as such shall have exclusive power (notwithstanding any other provision of law): (1) to administer all Federal, State, and local drug addiction control laws in such area; (2) to receive and expend all Federal, State, and local appropriations made available within the area for drug addiction control purposes; and (3) to supervise all private drug addiction research and treatment programs in the area. Provides that the Commission shall operate intake, guidance, counseling, legal placement, rehabilitation, outpatient, job-training, and postrelease advisory programs for drug addicts; encourage information and education programs on drug abuse; and operate drug pilot drug addiction programs, such as the methadone maintenance program. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $10,000,000, to remain available until expended, without fiscal-year limitation, to carry out the objectives of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Permits the Secretary of the military department concerned to appoint as a cadet or midshipman, as appropriate, in the reserve of an Armed Force under his jurisdiction any eligible member of the program who will be under an age which is equal to 25 years plus the number of months of active service previously performed by such eligible member (but not over 28 years of age), on June 30 of the calendar year in which he is eligible for appointment as an ensign in the Navy or as a second lieutenant in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps, as the case may be. Provides that, upon completion of the four-year program, a cadet or midshipman may be appointed as a regular or reserve officer in the grade of second lieutenant or ensign, regardless of any other provision of law which may establish a maximum or minimum age at which persons may be so commissioned. (Amends 10 U.S.C. 2107(a),(d))
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to enter into agreements under the Fisherman's Protective Act of 1967 with owners of United States commercial fishing vessels for purposes of reimbursing such owners for all actual costs resulting from any damage to, or destruction of, their vessels or equipment as a result of actions of vessels operated by a foreign government or the citizens of a foreign government. Authorizes the Secretary to provide reasonable reimbursement for losses suffered by such vessel owners because of lost or reduced fishing hauls directly resulting from the damage. Authorizes the appropriation of $5,000,000 for reimbursement of claims under this Act. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to damages or destruction of United States vessels occurring on or before January 1, 1971.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Permits the mailing of lottery tickets and related matter, the broadcasting or televising of lottery information, and the transportation and advertising of lottery tickets in interstate commerce, where such lottery is conducted by a State agency or the District of Columbis acting under authority of law. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 16)
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Utility Consumers' Counsel and Information Act - Provides definitions for various terms of the Act. Title I: Utility Consumers' Counsel - Establishes within the executive branch of the Government an independent agency to be known as the United States Office of Utility Consumers' Counsel to be headed by a Consumers' Counsel, who shall be appointed for a term of five years by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Permits the Counsel to: (1) promulgate such rules and regulations as may be required to carry out the functions of the Office and (2) delegate to any other officer or employee of the Office authority for the performance of any duty imposed, or the exercise of any power conferred, upon the Counsel by this Act, and any reference herein to the Counsel shall include his duly authorized delegate or delegates. Directs the Counsel to, subject to civil service laws and the Hatch Act, appoint and fix the compensation of such personnel as he determines to be required for the performance of the functions of the Office. Authorizes the Counsel to appoint such advisory committees as the Counsel may determine to be necessary or desirable for the effective performance of the functions of the Office; and to designate representatives to serve on such committees as the Counsel may determine to be necessary or desirable to maintain effective liaison with Federal agencies and with departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the States which are engaged in activities related to the functions of the Office. Provides that, upon request made by the Counsel, each Federal agency is authorized and directed: (1) to make its services, personnel, and facilities available to the greatest practicable extent to the Office in the performance of its functions and (2) subject to provisions of law and regulations relating to the classification of information in the interest of national defense, to furnish to the Office such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics as the Counsel may determine to be necessary or desirable for the performance of the functions of the Office. Authorizes the Counsel to petition for, initiate, appear, or intervene in any investigation, complaint, action, appeal, or other proceeding, except a criminal proceeding, before any Federal, State, or local agency, or Federal or State court, in accordance with the rules of practice and procedure of such agency or court, where in the opinion of the Counsel, there is a matter or controversy affecting substantially the interests of consumers of utility services within the United States, except that such action by Counsel before any State or local agency or State court shall be authorized only when: (1) it is requested by the Governor of a State or any official designated by him for such purpose; (2) it is requested by an agency or official duly authorized by a State to represent the interests of utility consumers before any State or local agency or court; (3) it is requested by a local government serving a population of fifty thousand persons or more, or a combination of local governments covering ten percent of the population of the service area of a utility within any State; or (4) it is requested by a duly certified petition signed by the consumers of services of a utility within any State as follows: if the total of such consumers equals one thousand or less, petition must be signed by 20 percent of such consumers; if the total of such consumers equals an amount over one thousand but less than ten thousand, petition must be signed by ten percent of such consumers; or if total of such consumers equals ten thousand or more, petition must be signed by five percent of such consumers. Directs the Counsel from time to time to compile and disseminate to the public, through such publications and other means as he determines to be appropriate, such information as he considers to be necessary or desirable for the protection of the interests of consumers of utility services. Requires him, in January of each year, to transmit to the Congress a report containing: (1) a full and complete description of the activities of the Office during the preceding calendar year; (2) a discussion of matters currently affecting the interests of such consumers; and (3) his recommendations for the solution of any problems adversely affecting those interests and transmit to the President from time to time such recommendations for proposed legislation as the Counsel may consider to be necessary or desirable for the adequate protection of the interests of such consumers. Authorizes the Council to make grants to any State or local government, or combination of such governments, that serve a population of one hundred thousand or more persons, for up to 75 percent of the cost of performing any of the following functions: (1) representing the interests of consumers of utility services before Federal, State or local agencies and Federal or State courts, including but not limited to the initiation, appearance or intervention, with respect to any investigation, complaint, action, appeal, or other proceeding and the preparation and presentation of evidence, briefs, and arguments in connection therewith; (2) compiling and making available to the public information which is necessary or desirable for the protection of the interests of consumers of utility services; and (3) making available, to the extent possible, technical assistance, statistics, information and personnel for consultation and assistance to Federal, State and local governments and agencies, and to nongovernmental organizations having a special interest in matters affecting the interest of consumers of utility services. Provides that no grant for such services shall be made to any State or local agency authorized by law to regulate one or more of the utilities defined under this Act. Authorizes the Counsel to make grants to any State or local agency authorized by law to regulate one or more of the utilities defined under this Act for the following purposes: (1) increasing the number and quality of professional staff personnel assigned to matters affecting the interests of consumers of utility services; (2) developing personnel, systems and facilities, including automatic data processing equipment, for obtaining essential information, making studies and other evaluation of data, and assisting in the making of decisions with respect to matters affecting the interests of consumers of utility services; or (3) providing for training and education programs, including internship, work-study, fellowship and similar programs for professional staff positions relating to matters affecting the interests of consumers of utility services. Directs the Counsel to allocate grants under this Act in such manner as will most nearly provide an equitable distribution of grants among States and local governments, taking into consideration such facts as size of population, extent of utility services, the urgency of programs or projects, and the need for funds to carry out the purposes of this Act. Permits the Counsel to furnish technical advice and assistance, including information, on request to any State or local regulatory agency for the purpose of establishing and carrying out any program of utility consumer interest within the general purposes of this Act. Requires State and local government reports, and permits the Counsel to make reviews and audits. Provides that whenever the Counsel, after giving reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing to a grant recipient under this Act, finds: (1) that the program or project for which such grant was made has been so changed that it no longer complies with the provisions of this Act or (2) that in the operation of the program or project there is failure to comply substantially with any such provision; the Counsel shall notify such recipient of his findings and no further payments may be made to such recipient by the Counsel until he is satisfied that such noncompliance has been, or will promptly be, corrected. Provides that the Counsel may authorize the continuance of payments with respect to any projects pursuant to this Act which are being carried out by such recipient and which are not involved in the noncompliance. Provides that if the recipient of a grant under this Act is dissatisfied with the Counsel's final action such recipient may, within sixty days after notice of such action, file with the United States court of appeals for the circuit in which such recipient is located a petition for review of that action. Gives the court jurisdiction to affirm the action of the Counsel or to set it aside, in whole or in part. Provides that the judgment of the court shall be subject to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon certiorari or certification as provided in section 1254 of title 28, United States Code. Directs the Counsel to make a full and complete investigation and study for the purpose of: (1) preparing a comparison and analysis of State and Federal laws regulating utilities and (2) preparing model laws and recommendations for regulation of such utilities. Authorizes approprations annually for the the purposes of this title in an amount equal to "three-tenths of one percent of the aggregate annual net operating revenues of all utilities." Title II: Public Information with Respect to Certain Utilities - Directs the Federal Power Commission with respect to electric companies and gas companies and the Federal Communications Commission with respect to common carriers to obtain the information required with respect to each such utility and to publish such information at least annually in reports prepared for and made readily available to the public, especially in the service area of each such utility. Provides that the information is to be made available with respect to each such utility and shall include, insofar as practicable, comparable data for previous years and national averages. Authorizes the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Securities Exchange Commission to coordinate and assist in carrying out the provisions of this Act and to conduct investigations and promulgate such regulations as are necessary to implement this Act, each in accordance with its own rules of procedure. Makes it unlawful to fail to provide information required by this Act or to give false information. Provides that any person so violating the Act shall also be deemed to have violated the Federal Power Act, the Natural Gas Act, the Public Utility Holding Act or the Federal Communications Act, and the civil and criminal penalties and procedures for enforcement provided in each of said Acts shall apply, whichever is most appropriate. Authorizes the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Securities Exchange Commission to make full use of automatic data processing in preparing the information required under this Act and other Acts to which they are subject, to the end that Federal and State regulatory bodies, the Congress, the United States Office of Utility Consumers' Counsel, such State and local offices of consumers' counsel as may be established with assistance under this Act, and the public shall receive in a timely and understandable manner information upon which the interests of utility consumers may be assisted and protected. Authorizes necessary appropriations to carry out the provisions of this title.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Institute on Retirement Income Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare to enter into an agreement with any public or nonprofit private organization for the payment by the United States of all or part of the costs of establishing an Institute on Retirement Income. Sets forth the criteria for concluding such agreement. Specifies that the Institute shall study all aspects of problems relating to the attainment of adequate retirement income needs of retired individuals. Suggests a number of considerations that such Institute should deal with.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Allows a tax deduction under the Internal Revenue Code of not more than $750 for ordinary and necessary expenses paid during the taxable year for the repair or improvement of property used by the taxpayer as his principal residence. Permits any person who is the owner of rental housing and who rehabilitates or restores such housing to deduct the cost of such restoration, with respect to the amortization of the adjusted basis of such housing as so restored, based on a period of 60 months. Entitles any person who acquires rehabilitated or restored rental housing from a taxpayer who elected the amortization deduction and who did not discontinue the amortization deduction, to a deduction with respect to the adjusted basis of such facility based on the remaining amount of the 60 month period taken by the person who rehabilitated the house. Provides procedures for the election and termination of the amortization deduction and defines the terms used in this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Requires the President to notify within ten days each House of the Congress by special message of every instance in which he impounds funds or authorizes such impoundment by any officer of the United States. States that such message must specify the amount of impounded funds, the specific programs affected, and the reasons for the impoundment of funds. Provides that the President shall cease the impounding of funds set forth in each special message within sixty days of continuous session after the message is received by the Congress unless the specific impoundment shall have been ratified by the Congress by the passage of a resolution in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Federal Employee Hazardous Duty Minimum Pay Adjustment Act - Provides that Federal employees required to perform any portion of their duties within the boundaries of a locality, area, or safety buffer zone determined to be unsafe for human habitation due to the presence of explosive, incendiary, or toxic material shall be entitled to additional pay at the rate of 25 percent of their rate of basic pay. Provides that such additional pay shall be regarded as basic pay for all purposes. Provides that the provisions of this Act shall not be construed as denying the payment of an additional differential beyond the 25 percent authorized in this Act for specific hazards which the Federal employees may undergo directly incident to the performance of their specific duties within the boundaries of such locality, area, or safety buffer zone.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Extends the contiguous fisheries zone of the United States from nine to one hundred and ninety-seven nautical miles from the outer limits of the territorial sea. (Amends 16 U.S.C. 1092) Declares the sense of Congress, recognizing the increasing conflicts arising between nations over high seas fishing rights and that the forthcoming Law of the Sea Conference will address itself to a solution of such conflicts, to review the extension of the contiguous fishing zone of the United States effected by this Act in the context of such proposals and arrangements as may result from the Conference.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Provides that whoever moves or travels in interstate or foreign commerce to avoid prosecution, custody, or confinement after conviction, under the laws of the place from which he flees, for willfully killing a police officer or fireman while such police officer or fireman was engaged in the performance of official duty shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. Provides that whenever a police officer or fireman is willfully killed, while such policeman or fireman is engaged in the performance of his official duties, and no person alleged to have committed such offense has been apprehended and taken into custody within twenty-four hours after the commission of such offense, it shall be presumed in the absence of proof to the contrary that the person who committed such offense has moved or traveled in interstate or foreign commerce to avoid prosecution or custody under the laws of the place at which the offense was committed. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 1075)
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to administer a program of research, development, and demonstration for the purposes of advancing transportation technology, with priority given to applicants from the aircraft and defense industries which have had Government contracts canceled or which are located in high unemployment areas. Specifies projects to be given preference under this Act, including development of vertical and short takeoff and landing aircraft, improvement of high speed ground transportation, and advancement of technology in the areas of air traffic control, all-weather navigation systems for aircraft, and air safety. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $100,000,000 for this research and demonstration program. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to study and report to Congress within 12 months as to the future growth potential of the airframe industry, its projected utilization of resources and manpower, and the potential for conversion of its productive capacity to alternative uses. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for this study.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Rehabilitation Act - Declares that it is the purpose of this Act to provide a statutory basis for the Rehabilitation Service Administration and to establish within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare an Office for the Handicapped, and to authorize specified programs. Establishes within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare a Rehabilitation Services Administration which shall be administered by a Commissioner. Provides that the Commissioner shall carry out and administer all programs and direct the performance of all services for which authority is provided to the Secretary of H.E.W. under titles I through IV of this Act. Creates within such administration a Division of Research, Training and Evaluation which shall be responsible for carrying out programs and projects under title IV of this Act. Authorizes the inclusion of appropriations under this Act in appropriations for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which they are available for obligation. Provides that where funds are provided for a single project by more than one Federal agency to an agency or organization assisted under this Act, the Federal agency principally involved may be designated to act for all in administering such funds, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the President. Sets forth definitions of terms used in this Act. Title I: Vocational Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist States to meet the current and future needs of handicapped individuals, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment to the extent of their capabilities. Authorizes to be appropriated $800,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, and $975,000,000 for fiscal year 1974 for the purpose of making grants to States to assist them in meeting the costs of vocational rehabilitation services. Authorizes to be appropriated $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $60,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, for the purpose of making grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies to assist them in meeting the costs of projects to initiate or expand services to handicapped individuals. Sets forth the requirements of State plans to be submitted and approved for participation in programs under this title and under title II of this Act. Authorizes judicial review in United States district courts of decisions by the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration affecting State plans. Provides that the Commissioner shall insure that the individualized written rehabilitation program required in a State plan in the case of each handicapped individual shall be developed jointly by the vocational rehabilitation counselor or coordinator and the handicapped individual. Defines vocational rehabilitation services provided under this Act as any goods or services necessary to render a handicapped individual employable, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) evaluation of rehabilitation potential; (2) counseling, guidance, referral, and placement services for handicapped individuals; (3) vocational and other training services for handicapped individuals; (4) physical and mental restoration services; (5) maintenance, not exceeding the estimated cost of subsistence, during rehabilitation; (6) interpreter services for the deaf, and reader services for the blind; (7) recruitment and training services for handicapped individuals; (8) rehabilitation teaching services and orientation and mobility services for the blind; (9) occupational licenses, tools, equipment, and initial stocks and supplies; (10) transportation in connection with the rendering of any vocational rehabilitation services; and (11) telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices. Provides a formula for the allotment and payment of funds to States for providing rehabilitation services under this title. Directs the Commissioner to establish offices in ten to twenty geographically dispersed regions for client assistance pilot projects to provide counselors to inform and advise all clients and client applicants in the project area of all available benefits under this Act and to assist them in their relationships with projects, programs, and facilities providing services to them under this Act. Directs the Commissioner to pay to a State or, at the option of the State, to a public or nonprofit organization or agency a portion of the cost of planning, preparing for, and initiating special programs under the State plan to expand vocational rehabilitation services. Title II: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services - States it to be the purpose of this title to authorize grants to assist the several States in developing and implementing continuing plans for meeting the current and future needs of handicapped individuals for whom a vocational goal is not possible or feasible authorizes to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $80,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 for grants to carry out the purposes of this title. Specifies the formula to be utilized in alloting such funds to the States. Directs the Commissioner to make grants to States and public and nonprofit agencies or organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for research and demonstration and training which hold promise of making a substantial contribution to the solution of problems related to the rehabilitation of individuals under this title. Title III: Special Federal Responsibilities Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants and contracts to assist in meeting the costs of construction of public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities, initial staffing, and planning assistance. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $45,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit organizations and agencies to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects for providing vocational training services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps, in public or nonprofit rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated for such grants and contracts $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to insure up to 100 percent of any mortgage on the construction of facilities for programs for handicapped individuals. Creates a Rehabilitation Facilities Insurance Fund to be used by the Commissioner as a revolving fund for carrying out the insurance provisions of this part. Provides that the total amount of outstanding mortgages shall not exceed $250,000,000. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for initial capital for such Fund. Authorizes the Commissioner to make annual interest grants to assist States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to reduce the cost of borrowing from other sources for the construction of rehabilitation facilities. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the payment of annual interest grants in accordance with this part. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations for paying part of the cost of special projects and demonstrations: (1) for establishing facilities and providing services which hold promise of expanding or otherwise improving rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps; and (2) for applying new types or patterns of service or devices. Allows the Commissioner to make grants to pay up to 90 percent of the cost of projects or demonstrations for the provision of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicappped individuals who are migratory agricultural workers or seasonal farmworkers, and to members of their families who are with them. Provides that the Commissioner may make contracts or jointly finance cooperative arrangements with employers and organizations for the establishment of projects designed to prepare handicapped individuals for gainful and suitable employment in the competitive labor market under which such handicapped individuals are provided training and employment in a realistic work setting and such other services as may be necessary for such individuals to continue to engage in such employment. Authorizes the Commissioner to provide technical assistance to rehabilitation facilities, and for the purpose of removal of architectural and transportation barriers, to any public or nonprofit agency, institution, organization or facility. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of making grants under this part, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $125,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated $5,000,000 for construction, $800,000 for operations for fiscal year 1973, $1,200,000 for operations for fiscal year 1974, and $2,000,000 for operations for fiscal year 1975, for establishing and operating a National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults. Authorizes to be appropriated $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $4,000,000 for fiscal 1974, and $7,000,000 for fiscal year 1975 and for making grants and contracts for the expansion and improvement of vocational or comprehensive rehabilitation services for deaf and blind individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated, for the purpose of establishing and operating National Centers for Spinal Cord Injuries, $15,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes to be appropriated, for providing services for the treatment of individuals suffering from end-stage renal disease, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Establishes a National Advisory Council on Rehabilitation of Handicapped Individuals in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) provide policy advice and consultation to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and the Commissioner; (2) review the administration and operation of vocational rehabilitation programs under this Act; and (3) advise the Secretary and the Commissioner with respect to the conduct of independent evaluations of programs carried out under this Act. Authorizes appropriations of $100,000 for fiscal year 1973 and $150,000 for each of fiscal years 1974 and 1975 to carry out the functions of the Council. Title IV: Research and Training - Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contracts with States and public or nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for the purpose of planning and conducting research, demonstrations, and related activities, which bear directly on the development of methods, procedures, and devices to assist in the provision of vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals, especially those with the most severe handicaps. Authorizes to be appropriated for such research activities $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Authorizes the Commissioner to make grants to and contracts with States and public and nonprofit agencies and organizations to pay part of the cost of projects for training, traineeships, and related activities designed to assist in increasing the numbers of personnel trained in providing vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services to handicapped individuals and in performing other functions necessary to the development of such services. Authorizes to be appropriated for such training grants $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $75,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title V: Administration and Program and Project Evaluation - Provides that, in carrying out his duties under this Act, the Commissioner shall: (1) cooperate with, and render technical assistance to States in matters relating to the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals; (2) provide short-term training and instruction in technical matters relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services; and (3) disseminate information relating to vocational and comprehensive rehabilitation services, and otherwise promote the cause of the rehabilitation of handicapped individuals and their greater utilization in gainful and suitable employment. Directs the Secretary to measure and evaluate the impact of all programs authorized by this Act. Title VI: Office for the Handicapped - Establishes an Office for the Handicapped in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to: (1) prepare a long-range projection for the provisions of comprehensive services to handicapped individuals; (2) analyze program operations; (3) encourage coordinated and cooperative planning; (4) provide assistance to other committees advising the Secretary; (5) develop means of promoting scientific research to bring about the full integration of handicapped individuals into all aspects of society; and (6) provide a central clearinghouse for information and resource availability for handicapped individuals. Authorizes to be appropriated for purposes of this title $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973, $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and $2,000,000 for fiscal year 1975. Title VII: Miscellaneous - Provides that the Vocational Rehabilitation Act is repealed ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act. Establishes an Interagency Committee on Handicapped Employees to insure the adequacy of hiring, placement, and advancement practices with respect to handicapped individuals by each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive branch of Government. Establishes a National Commission on Transportation and Housing for Handicapped Individuals to identify and eliminate transportation barriers that impede the mobility of handicapped individuals and aged handicapped individuals, and to prepare plans and proposals for such further action as may be necessary to the goals of adequate transportation and housing for handicapped individuals. Establishes an Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board to investigate and examine alternative approaches to the architectural, transportation, and attitudinal barriers confronting handicapped individuals. Authorizes appropriations of $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1973; $1,250,000 for fiscal year 1974; and $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1975 to carry out the duties and functions of the Board.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Establishes a joint congressional committee which shall be known as the Joint Committee on Environment and Technology consisting of nineteen members of the Senate to be designated by the President of the Senate, and twenty-one Members of the House of Representatives to be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Provides that no legislative measure shall be referred to the committee, and it shall have no authority to report any such measure to the Senate or to the House of Representatives. Makes it the duty of the committee to: (1) conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the character and extent of environmental and technological changes that may occur in the future and their effect on population, communities, and industries, including but not limited to the effects of such changes on the need for public and private planning and investment in housing, water resources (including oceanography), pollution control, food supplies, education, automation affecting interstate commerce, fish and wildlife, forestry, mining communications, transportation power supplies, welfare and other services and facilities; (2) study methods of using all practicable means and measures, including financial and technical assistance, in a manner calculated to foster, promote, create, and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in harmony, and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans; (3) develop policies that would encourage maximum private investment in means of improving environmental quality; and (4) review any recommendations made by the President (including the Environmental Quality Report required to be submitted pursuant to section 201 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969) relating to environmental policy. Gives the Committee necessary powers, authorizes necessary appropriations, and requires the committee to report its findings to the Congress.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should suspend all steps taken or contemplated to expand trade and other economic activities with the Soviet Union and any other country which uses arbitrary and discriminatory methods to limit the right of emigration, until the President determines that such methods are no langer being used to limit emigration.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Expresses the sense of Congress that the President of the United States of American shall take immediate and determined steps to: (1) call upon the Soviet Government to permit the free expression of ideas and the exercise of religion by all its citizens in accordance with the Soviet Constitution; and (2) utilize formal and informal contacts with Soviet officials in an effort to secure an end to discrimination against religious minorities; and (3) demand of the Soviet Government that it permit its citizens the right to emigrate from the Soviet Union to the countries of their choice as affirmed by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights; and (4) call upon the State Department to raise in the General Assembly of the United Nations the issue of the Soviet Union's transgression of the Declaration of Human Rights.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Declares that the Congress strongly protests the treatment of United States servicemen held prisoner by North Vietnam and the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, calls on them to comply with the requirements of the Geneva Convention, and approves and endorses efforts by the United States Government, the United Nations, the International Red Cross, and other leaders and peoples of the world to obtain humane treatment and release of American prisoners of war.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to commission a painting of the astronauts' first landing on the moon on the ceiling of the Brumidi corridor in the Senate wing of the Capitol.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Expresses the sense of the Congress that New York City should not impose any income tax upon persons who do not reside in such city but who commute there in order to work.
United States · United States Congress · 9 January 1973
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the President should call an international conference on the creation of an International Environmental Agency. Declares that the Agency should be given authority to collect information, promote research coordination, and establish international standards and rules on environmental matters and activities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Establishes an Institute for Continuing Studies of Juvenile Justice to serve as a coordinating center for the collection and dissemination of information in the field of juvenile delinquency and control, including comparisons and analysis of State and Federal laws and model laws and recommendations designed to promote effective and efficient systems of juvenile justice; and as a training center for representatives of all levels of government who are connected with the treatment and control of juvenile offenders. Provides that the Institute shall be under the supervision of a Director, appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who will supervise the staff, faculty, and administrative personnel necessary to the Institute's functioning. Gives the Institute powers to carry out the objectives of this Act. Creates an Advisory Commission to design a curriculum for the Institutes enrollees and to supervise the overall policy and operations of the Institute. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary for the purposes of this Act. (Adds 18 U.S.C. 5041-5048)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Extends to all unmarried individuals the full tax benefits of income splitting now enjoyed by married individuals filing joint returns under the Internal Revenue Code. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe and publish tables reflecting the amendments made by this Act which shall apply in lieu of the tables set forth in the Internal Revenue Code with respect to wages paid on or after the first day of the first month which begins more than twenty days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (Amends 26 U.S.C. 1)
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
State Technical Services Amendments - Makes municipal governments eligible for technical services under the State Technical Services Act and extends the Act through fiscal year 1976 by authorizing appropriations of $30,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 1975, and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1976. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to establish a nationwide information system to provide data concerning each State technical services program and the establishment of regional offices to facilitate communications between States.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Health Security Act - Title I: Health Security Benefits - Provides that every resident of the U.S. (and every non-resident citizen when in the U.S.) will be eligible for covered services. Permits reciprocal and "buy-in" agreements for groups of non-resident aliens, and in some cases benefits to U.S. residents when visiting in other countries. Entitles every eligible person to have payments made by the Health Security Board for covered services provided within the United States by a participating provider. Provides that all necessary professional services of physicians, wherever furnished are covered, including preventive care, with two important restrictions: (1) specialist services are covered only when performed by a qualified specialist except in emergency situations, and generally only on referral from a primary physician; and (2) psychiatric services to an ambulatory patient are covered only for active preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic or rehabilitative service with respect to mental illness. Provides that comprehensive dental services (exclusive of most orthodontic services) are covered for children under age 15, with the covered age group increasing by two years each year until all those under age 25 are covered. Provides that: (1) inpatient and outpatient hospital services and services of a home health agency are covered without arbitrary limitation; (2) pathology and radiology services are specifically included as parts of institutional services; and (3) custodial care is specifically excluded in specified institutional settings. Limits payment for skilled nursing home care to 120 days per spell of illness, except that this limit may be increased when the nursing home is owned or managed by a hospital and payment for care is made through the hospital's budget. Limits the psychiatric hospital benefit to 45 consecutive days of active treatment during a spell of illness. Provides coverage for two categories of drug use: prescribed medicines administered to inpatients or outpatients within participating hospitals; or to enrollees of comprehensive health service organizations, and drugs necessary for the treatment of specified chronic illnesses or conditions requiring long or expensive therapy. Requires the Board and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish two lists of approved drugs, taking into account the safety, efficacy and cost of each drug. Provides a broad list of approved medicines available for use in institutions and by comprehensive health service organizations and a more restricted list which is available for use outside such organized settings. Provides that the appliances benefit is similar in concept and operation to the drug benefit, subject to a limitation on aggregate cost. Asserts that the professional services of optometrists and podiatrists are covered, subject to regulations, as are diagnostic or therapeutic services furnished by independent pathology laboratories and radiology services. States that health services furnished or paid for under a workmen's compensation law are not covered. Provides that the services of a professional practitioner are not covered if they are furnished in a hospital which is not a participating provider. Requires that participating providers meet standards established in this title or by the Board. Requires that such providers must agree to provide services without discrimination, to make no unauthorized charge to the patient for any covered service, and to furnish data necessary for utilization review by professional peers, statistical studies by the Board, and verification of information for payments. Makes professional practitioners, licensed when the program begins, eligible to practice in the State where they are licensed and requires that all newly licensed applicants for participation meet national standards established by the Board in addition to those required by his State. Establishes conditions of participation for general hospitals similar to those required under Medicare. States that the two requirements not found in the Medicare program are: (1) that the hospital must not discriminate in granting staff privileges on any grounds unrelated to professional qualifications; and (2) that it establish a pharmacy and drug therapeutics committee for supervision of hospital drug therapy. Provides that psychiatric hospitals will be eligible to participate only if the Board finds that the hospital (or a distinct part of the hospital) is engaged in furnishing active diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitative services to mentally ill patients. Establishes conditions of participation for skilled nursing homes similar to those established for extended care facilities under Medicare. Makes provisions for the participation of home health service agencies. Describes as eligible a health maintenance organization which undertakes to provide an enrolled population either with complete health care or with complete health security services (other than institutional services, mental health or dental services) for the maintenance of the health and care of ambulatory patients. Permits a foundation sponsored by a county or other local medical society to participate as a provider of services. Authorizes the Board to deal separately with the primary care portion of a system of comprehensive health care where it is necessary to rely on arrangements with other providers. Permits the Board to contract directly with public or other nonprofit mental health centers and mental health day care services. Specifies the broad and general conditions under which independent pathology laboratories, independent radiological services, and providers of drugs, devices, appliances, equipment, or ambulance services may qualify as providers under Health Security. Requires that a participating skilled nursing home have in effect an agreement with at least one participating hospital for the transfer of patients and medical and other information as medically appropriate. Prohibits in malpractice judgments any damages to be awarded to the injured party for the cost of remedial services which he is entitled to receive under this Act. Excludes the institutions of the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, and institutions of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare serving merchant seamen or Indians or Alaskan natives, from serving as participating providers, as well as any employee of these institutions when he is acting as an employee. Provides reimbursement for any services furnished by these institutions or agencies to eligible persons who are not a part of their normal clientele. Permits a physician, dentist, optometrist, or podiatrist, licensed in one State and meeting the national standards, to furnish Health Security benefits in any other State, the scope of his permissible practice being governed by the law of the State in which he is practicing. Grants a similar authority to other health professional and nonprofessional personnel. Establishes the Health Security Trust Fund, to receive the net assets of existing (Medicare) funds taken over by the Health Security program, the yield of the Health Security taxes, and the Government's contribution from general revenues amounting to 100 percent of the yield from these taxes. Provides that three separate accounts shall be established in the Health Security Trust Fund: a Health Service Account, a Health Resources Development Account, and an Administration Account. Provides that in each of the first two years of the program operation, 2 percent of the Trust Fund shall be set aside for the Health Resources Development Fund; and the allocation shall increase by 1 percent at two-year intervals to 5 percent within the next 6 years. Provides for allocation of the Health Services account among the regions of the country. Provides that the allocation to each region shall be based on the aggregate sum expended during the most recent 12-month period for covered services (with appropriate modification for estimated changes in the consumer price index, the expected number of eligible beneficiaries, and estimated changes in the number of participating providers). Provides that the Board will divide the allocation to each region into funds available to pay: institutional services; physician services; dental services; furnishing of drugs; furnishing of devices, applications, and equipment; and miscellaneous services. Provides that payments for covered services provided to eligible persons by participating providers will be made from the Health Service Account in the Trust Fund. Describes the method to be used in applying, as between practitioners electing the various methods of payment fee for service, the monies available in each health service area for payment to each category of professional providers. Authorizes the Board to experiment with other methods of reimbursement so long as the experimental method does not increase the cost of service or lead to overutilization or underutilization of services. Provides that skilled nursing homes and home health agencies will be paid in the same manner as a general hospital (on an approved annual budget basis). Provides that a health maintenance organization will be paid for covered services, on the basis of a fixed capitation rate multiplied by the number of eligible enrollees. Contains a series of provisions for developing a continuous process of health service planning and for assisting in the recruitment, education, and training of health personnel. Authorizes special improvement grants: (1) to any public or other nonprofit health agency or institution to establish improved coordination and linkages with other providers of services, and (2) to organizations providing comprehensive ambulatory care to improve their utilization review, budget, statistical, or records and information retrieval systems, to acquire equipment needed for those purposes, or to acquire equipment useful for mass screening or for other diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Sets forth the responsibilities and duties of the Secretary of HEW and the Board with regard to this title. Creates an administrative structure within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare with exclusive responsibility for administration of the Health Security program. Establishes a five-member full-time Health Security Board serving under the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Provides that the members shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year overlapping terms. Creates the position of an Executive Director, appointed by the Board with the approval of the Secretary. Provides that the Executive Director shall serve as secretary to the Board and shall perform such duties in the administration of the program as the Board assigns to him. Provides that the program will be administered through the regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Requires the establishment of sub-regional (service area) offices. Establishes a National Health Security Advisory Council, with the Chairman of the Board serving as the Council's Chairman and 20 additional members not in the employ of the Federal Government. Authorizes the Advisory Council to appoint professional or technical committees to assist in its functions. Provides that the Advisory Council will advise the Board on matters of general policy in the administration of the program, the formulation of regulations and the allocation of funds for services. Charges the Board with responsibility for informing the public and providers about the administration and operation of the Health Security program. Requires the Board to make a continuing study and evaluation of the program, including adequacy, quality and costs of services. Authorizes the Board directly or by contract to make detailed statistical and other studies on a national, regional, or local basis of any aspect of the title; to develop and test incentive systems for improving quality of care, methods of peer review of drug utilization and of other service performances; to develop and test systems of information retrieval, budget programs, instrumentation for multiphasic screening or patient services, reimbursement systems for drugs; and to make such other studies which it considers would improve the quality of services of administration of the program. Grants authority to the Board, in accordance with regulations, to make determinations of who are participating providers of services, determinations of eligibility, of whether services are covered, and the amount to be paid to providers. Allows a provider of services who is dissatisfied with a final Board determination to obtain a hearing before a Board panel, and judicial review of a final decision. Authorizes the Board, with the advice and assistance of the Commission on the Quality of Health Care, to issue and review regulations assuring the quality of care furnished under this Act. Requires continuing professional education by physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. Provides for the appointment of a Deputy Secretary of HEW and an Under Secretary for Health and Science. States that no provision of this Act shall alter any contractual obligation of an employer to provide health services to his employees and their dependents. Title II: Health Security Taxes - Converts the existing Medicare hospital insurance payroll taxes into Health Security taxes, and raises the rates to 1 percent on employees and 3.5 percent on employers. Raises the wage base for the employee tax from the present $7,800 to $15,000 or, if higher 125 percent of the contribution and benefit base. Broadens the definitions of covered employment to include foreign agricultural workers, employees of the U.S. and its instrumentalities (other than members of the armed forces and the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress), employees of charitable and similar organizations, railroad employees, and (for the employee tax only) employees of States and their political subdivisions and instrumentalities. Excludes from the gross income of employees, for income tax purposes, payment by their employers of part or all of the Health Security taxes on the employees. Spells out the precise effective dates of the new payroll tax provisions. Converts the existing Medicare self-employment tax into a Health Security self-employment tax, and raises the rate to 2.5 percent, and raises the maximum taxable self-employment income from $7,800 to $15,000. Adds a new 1 percent Health Security tax on unearned income (unless such income is less than $400 a year), subject to the same maximum on taxable income as is applicable to the employee and self-employment taxes. Title III: Commission on the Quality of Health Care - Establishes in the Department of HEW a Commission on the Quality of Health Care, with the primary responsibility of: (1) initiating and continuing development of methods of assessing the quality of health care furnished under the Health Security Act, and (2) submitting to the Secretary and the Health Security Board its findings and recommendations. Stipulates that in carrying out its duties the Commissioner shall emphasize, and give first consideration to, care furnished for those illnesses and conditions which have relatively high incidence in the population and which are relatively amenable to medical or other care. Title IV: Repeal or Amendment of Other Acts - Makes various conforming amendments to the medicare, medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and Federal employees health benefits statutes to bring it into conformity with this Act. Requires that, after the effective date of benefits, no State shall be required to furnish any service covered under Health Security as a part of its State plan for participation under Medicaid, and that the Federal government will have no responsibility to reimburse any State for the cost of providing a service which is covered under Health Security. Provides that funds available under the Vocational Rehabilitation Act or the Maternal and Child Health title of the Social Security Act shall not be used to pay for personal health services after the effective date of benefits, except (to the extent prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of HEW) to pay for services which are more extensive than those covered under Health Security. Title V: Studies Related to Health Security - Authorizes the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Treasury to study the coverage of health services for U.S. residents in other countries. Directs the Secretary of HEW to study the feasibility and desirability of coordinating the Federal health benefit programs for merchant seamen, and Indians and Alaskan natives, and veterans and members of the Armed Forces, with the Health Security Benefit Program.
United States · United States Congress · 3 January 1973
Establishes a Commission on Railroad Transportation in the Northeast to keep itself closely informed on all developments in the Matter of Penn Central Transportation Company, Debtor, Numbered 70-347, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Provides that whenever the Commission finds that there is no reasonable prospect of achieving a traditional income-based reorganization of the Company without the abandonment of subsidization of lines of road reasonably needed for useful transportation or the reduction of its work force to a degree not consistent with efficient, nonburdensome and safe operations, or the subsidization of intercity or commuter passenger operations to a degree more favorable than those generally prevailing, then the Commission shall so determine and declare. Establishes a Federal corporation to be known as the Northeast Transportation Authority. Provides that in the event the Commission makes the above determination and declaration, then all property, real or personal, owned or operated under the direction of the trustees of the Company and which is used or useful in the conduct of transportation shall become the property of the United States of America, and title thereto, with power to deal therewith, shall be vested in the Northeast Transportation Authority. Directs the Commission to negotiate with bankruptcy trustees of the Company in an effort to agree upon a sum of money that will constitute just and reasonable compensation for such property passing to the United States. Provides that the trustees shall distribute the transportation properties of the debtor together with the proceeds of liquidation of such other properties as the debtor may own, to the creditors and holders of other interests in the debtor in accordance with the laws applicable to bankruptcies and under the direction of the bankruptcy court. Provides that the Authority shall be deemed a common carrier, and shall be subject to all provisions of the Interstate Commerce Act. Provides that the primary objective of the Northeast Transportation Authority's operations shall be to provide the public with the most economic, attractive, safe, and useful railroad transportation service that can be furnished, while maintaining rates of pay, rules, and working conditions for employees at a level not less than that prevailing in the railroad industry in the United States. Authorizes to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act, together with such sums as may be shown from time to time to be necessary to conduct the operations of the Authority in accordance with this Act.
![Official portrait of Rep. Howard, James J. [D-NJ-3]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/h000840_200.jpg)